1 Cor 15:3,4 – The gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.

1 Cor 15:17 – The gospel is “good news” because…

Since the story of Jesus is what saves us, let’s look at a few highlights.

1 Timothy 3:16 – The “He” refers to God. “He appeared in a human body or was made flesh.” This was His Son, Jesus.

Ephesians 1:7 – While on earth, Christ died. The purpose was for redemption – “the forgiveness of sins”.

John 2:19-21 – Jesus said he was going to be raised from death and he was (Acts 3:15)

1 Cor 15:20-23 – Christ experienced resurrection in order that we might be able to, later. He was the “first fruits” or forerunner of what will happen to us.

Acts 24:15 – All will be resurrected one day.

Phillipians 3:20-21 – Christ’s people will be transformed in body, just as Christ was after his resurrection. See, the parallel between his resurrection and ours? That is why he is called a forerunner.

Let’s look back and remember what it is we are supposed to believe. John 20:30-31 – “these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. And that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Summarizing the things that are important for us to beleive:

Jesus is God

Jesus is the Son of God

Jesus was a man

As a man, Jesus experienced death, burial, and resurrection.

Why is it necessary to believe these things?

2 Timothy 1:9-10 – Grace (forgiveness of sins) is now available through the gospel.

If obeying and believing the gospel brings life and immortality, then what is the result of not obeying and believing -> death! See how this is a life or death statement.

Example: When you get a Reader’s Digest Sweepstakes packet in the mail, they tell you that if your number is picked, you will win the prize. Notice that in the packet, it doesn’t say anywhere, “But, if your number isn’t picked, you won’t get anything.” That is an implied statement. A win-or-lose statement.

So, what happens if we do not believe and obey the gospel?

2 Thess. 1:7-9 – Punishment and everlasting destruction await. Is this a life-or-death statement? What else can it be? Remember, God cannot lie – this punishment is real.

An important point – what if we choose to believe the gospel but not to obey it? The same fate awaits. Just believing is not enough. Romans 6:17-18 says they “whole heartedly obeyed the form of teaching to which you were entrusted.” -> the gospel.

Mark 16:15 – Jesus’ apostles were to go out and tell everyone about the gospel. It is for the whole world.

What exactly does it mean to “obey the gospel”?

Romans 6:3,4 – This passage talks about a death, burial and resurrection that we (“all of us”) must go through, just as Jesus did. What is it?

Death – We must die to our sins – 1 Peter 2:24 – “die to sins and live for righteousness”. Also, see Romans 6:2.

Burial – We are buried in baptism (Romans 6:4). When you bury someone, you don’t just sprinkle dirt on them, you put them all the way under. Baptism is the same – it meansto be immersed or “plunged under”.

Resurrection – Romans 6:4-5 – “united with him in his resurrection”. Why? So “we too may live a new life.” We are resurrected as a new creature.

This is the process we must go through. The Bible tells us to obey the gospel! The gospel is the death, burial and resurrection. So, we must experience these three steps to obey and have salvation.

After we go through this, then what? We must obey, correctly, God’s commands. One of these was already dealt with in Mark 16:15 – preach the gospel.

Peter was among the eleven when Jesus said that. Let’s look at what Peter did.

Their sins would be forgiven and they would receive the gift of the Holy Spirit – they are resurrected as a new creature.

Note that Acts 2:32 is a life-or-death statement. What will happen if you do not repent and you aren’t baptized? What will happen if you repent but aren’t baptized? What will happen if you don’t repent but are baptized? In all cases, God cannot forgive you of your sins. He cannot lie.

We are to obey this gospel and preach it to others. Know what you are getting into at the start. Persecution will happen (John 15:20). But this verse also tell us that some people will listen to the message. In order to fully obey the gospel, we must be willing to experience this persecution. We must count the cost.

Luke 14:26-30 – First, sit down and evaluate the cost before beginning to build.

Matt. 10:34-38 – God must be our first love.

We see what the gospel is and that to obtain salvation, it is essential that we believe and obey it. There is simply no way to get around the life-or-death statement presented by Mark 16:16 or Acts 2:38.

As Ananias asked Saul immediately before his conversion:

“And now, what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.” – Acts 22:16